Writer's Fallout Shelter

I am new to this forum and have found it the most helpful one! I have been a member since the middle of May, so I am a true newbie; therefore, I did not know there was a lull. I hope there's not another one.
I have finished...or at least thought I had...one book and have another started. The first one is a mystery romance. Every time I go back and read it, I cut ot alot. I have actually rewritten parts of it twice, and now I am totally rewriting with the "finished" manuscript by me. I still love the story, but since I've been entering contests here I could not help but notice my writing was better in these short pieces than in my book.
I also write quite a bit of poetry.